Meet a DJ Who Rocks…Sam!
When people ask “What do you do?” how do you answer?
I create memories that last a lifetime for people. I’m an entertainer, which is so much more than just a DJ.
What did you do before DJing?
This has truly been one of my only jobs. I did some security for a total of a year, and I was going through the Monmouth County Police Academy but I tore my rotator cuff, so that didn’t happen either. This truly has and will always be the best career of my life.
When and how did you get into the wedding industry?
I really started getting into weddings about eight years ago. I was working for a company and their main DJ left, so I took my shot and haven’t looked back since. But I was a club and mitzvah/sweet 16 DJ before weddings.
How did your work evolve to get you to where you are today?
I’m from the NY/NJ area where it’s a dog-eat-dog world, so you literally have to be on your best game at all times. And really, my friend Jon Hadad broke every single bad habit I had and helped build me into the entertainer I am today. Forever grateful!
On top of all that, my now-wife was stationed in Washington state for four years and I moved out there with her. I took my talent to the West Coast, made a good amount of connections, and then I took my talent to Orlando. I wonder where I will end up next?!
What is your favorite thing about what you do? What’s your WHY?
After 15 years, it is really hard to choose a favorite thing about what I do. I love the initial “Hey congrats on getting engaged, have you shopped for your entertainment yet?” all the way to the last line of the night “Everyone I present to you the newlyweds! Get home safe everybody, goodnight.” The memories created are truly indescribable.
It’s really the whole atmosphere: the music, the lighting, the family & friends, the energy. I can’t put my finger on just one favorite thing. It’s the “chills” the music gives me, especially when the crowd is singing along. I truly know this is what I’m made to do. BUT I will say one of my go-to favorite moments is when I get to sit down in my truck after loading it back up at the end of the night, cause man does your back get to you!
Tell us about your most memorable event so far and why it was.
I personally devote my time to give back to the community and children. For the past five years, I’ve provided entertainment at the Neptune National Night Out. LT. Zarro and his team put together a night for the community. Theo’s BBQ is there, we give away bags for school, other vendors like McDonalds are there, and then there’s a bike raffle, and that is the BEST part of the night. I make it fun for the kids, sometimes they need to dance it out for me to call the next ticket. We dance, we laugh, we play games, we have fun. It’s always a blast and it is the one event every year I truly look forward to. If any community is interested in this, I am always willing to work with the kids and make it something they will always remember.
What’s the best part of your job?
Every single aspect of it. I would never trade this for anything! I genuinely enjoy sitting down with people and hearing about how they met, what they expect for the day, and just learning about their story. I love helping my clients choose their music and make sure there is never a dull moment on their wedding day. And the party part is just something you just have to experience. I can’t explain it, you just have to experience it.
What motivates you to do this everyday?
The music! It’s a form of therapy. Providing the entertainment for events really brings on a high that you can’t put into words. I’m the happiest version of myself when I’m doing what most people would call “working.”
What fun fact would people be surprised to learn about you?
Even though I look like a 15-year-old boy who hasn’t hit puberty yet, I’m actually 28 and will be carded until the day I die. I’m also the “straightest” gay person you could possibly meet.
What is the best compliment you’ve received from your clients?
The fact that I really know my music/music selections, and how I keep a certain energy from the initial hello, all the way until the end of the night.
What are the most common questions you get asked by brides and/or grooms?
How long have you been doing this? How many parties have you done? Do you know this version of this song? Do you take requests, how about from guests?
Best piece of advice for couples?
DO NOT, I repeat, DO NOT book entertainment off of the price. Book entertainment based on talent! Your DJ/MC will make or break your party. Cheap is NOT the answer.
